Dog Breed
German Shorthaired Pointer
Adventure DrivenLong-lived
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- Full Name
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Alternate Names
- Pointer
- Your PupScore
- Take the best dog breed quiz to get your Pup Scores!
- Life Span
- 12 - 14 years
- Weight
- 45 - 70 pounds
- Description
German Shorthaired Pointers are friendly, smart, and bold creatures. They are known for their versatile nature as they can adapt very well. Their will to please their family comes from their affectionate, intelligent, and cooperative nature as they are easy to train. They are the perfect mix of a hard-working hunting/gundog and best-friend in one. It is no surprise they are frequently in the top 10 most popular breeds in the US.
- Origin
- Germany
- Bred For
- General hunting
- Family Considerations
- Overall Ease of Breed
- Personality
- Home and Environment Considerations
- Physical Characteristics
Child Friendly
4/5
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer good with children?
Yes, the German Shorthaired Pointer is very friendly with children. We still recommend introductions to children while they are young so they get used to them, but the German Shorthaired Pointer naturally loves children.
Stranger Friendly
4/5
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer friendly with strangers?
Yes, the German Shorthaired Pointer is very friendly with strangers. We still recommend early socialization while the German Shorthaired Pointer is a puppy to introduce them to various new people, but in general they are friendly with everyone.
Dog Friendly
3/5
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer friendly with other dogs?
The German Shorthaired Pointer is about average in how friendly they are with other dogs. They can be timid or defensive, but with proper training and socialization can be fine for dog parks and living with other dogs at home.
Likes to Cuddle
3/5
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer like to cuddle?
The German Shorthaired Pointer likes to cuddle up every once in a while. They appreciate physical affection, but probably won't stay in your lap for extended amounts of time.
Playfulness
3/5
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer like to play?
The German Shorthaired Pointer is playful both as a puppy and as an adult dog. As they get older they may appreciate their alone time, and may not be in the mood for constant play, but certainly will have plenty of time for play as well.
Service Dog Ability
3/5
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer make a good service dog?
The German Shorthaired Pointer is not typically used as a service dog. There are always exceptions to the rule, but a service dog has to have many natural traits in addition to the proper training- smart, patient, and obsessed with pleasing their owner.
Ease for Novice
3/5
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer good for first-time owners?
The German Shorthaired Pointer is not the easiest breed for first-time owners, but can certainly still work out if the owner is willing to put the time into training and exercise.
Training Potential
4/5
How well can the German Shorthaired Pointer be trained?
The German Shorthaired Pointer can be trained very well. With discipline and a routine training program the German Shorthaired Pointer can be incredibly well-trained.
Amount of Shedding
2/5
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer shed a lot?
The German Shorthaired Pointer does shed, but less than average.
Ease of Grooming
5/5
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer easy to groom?
The German Shorthaired Pointer requires very little grooming relative to other dog breeds, their coat is very low maintenance.
Exercise Need
5/5
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer need a lot of exercise?
The German Shorthaired Pointer needs a daily exercise partner! The German Shorthaired Pointer is best suited for a family where it will get plenty of daily exercise; it has so much energy that exercise is mandatory to avoid destructive behaviors.
Intelligence
4/5
How smart is the German Shorthaired Pointer?
The German Shorthaired Pointer is very smart. Above-average intelligence means they can pick up on cues and signals quickly when it comes to training. But it also means that they need to be challenged mentally, in addition to their standard exercise needs.
Amount of Barking
3/5
How much does the German Shorthaired Pointer bark? Does the German Shorthaired Pointer bark too much?
The German Shorthaired Pointer barks an average amount. It can vary widely between German Shorthaired Pointers - some may be much more expressive than others.
Guard Dog Ability
3/5
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer a good guard dog?
The German Shorthaired Pointer is not typically used as a guard dog, although they can be alert and oftentimes notify you if there is a stranger at the door or otherwise something to be concerned over.
Tolerates Being Alone
3/5
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer good at staying alone? Is the German Shorthaired Pointer independent?
The German Shorthaired Pointer does not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. They can do well for a couple of hours alone, but may have anxiety for time beyond that.
Good for Apartment Living
1/5
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer a good apartment dog?
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a very bad fit for apartment living and we would not recommend it.
Size
3/5
How big is the German Shorthaired Pointer?
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium sized dog breed. They can range in size depending on genetics, and males are larger on average than females.
Tolerates Heat
5/5
How much does the German Shorthaired Pointer tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a German Shorthaired Pointer?
The German Shorthaired Pointer can do very well in hot weather. Owners should still be aware of over-heating as this is one of the most common reasons for dogs going into the emergency room, but overall the German Shorthaired Pointer can do well in hot climates.
Tolerates Cold
3/5
How much does the German Shorthaired Pointer tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a German Shorthaired Pointer?
The German Shorthaired Pointer can tolerate some cold, but should not be over-exposed to cold weather. In general, they can live in cold weather climates, but may need clothing on particularly cold evenings or in snow.
Potential to Run Away
4/5
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer try to run away?
It is natural for the German Shorthaired Pointer to run away. They are easily distracted and excited, so the urge to run away should be expected and prepared for- a fenced yard is important.
General Health
5/5
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer a healthy dog? The health of a German Shorthaired Pointer should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the healthiest breeds. Exercise and a high-quality diet are still high priorities, but overall the German Shorthaired Pointer has excellent health.
Energy Level
5/5
How energetic is the German Shorthaired Pointer?
It seems like the German Shorthaired Pointer never runs out of energy. If you are looking for a 5 AM run partner, the German Shorthaired Pointer is your dog! A dog's energy level is one of the most important considerations when getting a new dog, and we would only recommend the German Shorthaired Pointer for a family where it will get plenty of exercise.
Amount of Drooling
2/5
How much does the German Shorthaired Pointer drool?
The German Shorthaired Pointer drools very little, typically to where it's never a concern.
Prey Drive
4/5
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer have a large prey drive? Does the German Shorthaired Pointer like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?
The German Shorthaired Pointer has a high prey drive and has a natural tendency to chase after any small animal. Every case is unique, but the German Shorthaired Pointer may not be the best dog for living with other cats or small animals.
Athleticism
5/5
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer atheltic?
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a true athlete. The German Shorthaired Pointer is both fast, strong, and has a ton of endurance that suits it well for runs, hikes, and even marathons!
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Breed Variations
Liver and White
Liver and White Ticked
Liver Roan
Black and White Ticked
Liver
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Dog- Sporting
- Pointer
- German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a purebred dog that belongs to the Pointer sub group, which falls under the larger Sporting dog breed group.
Sporting group: Sporting dogs are the natural athletes of the dog world. They have high energy, and always look to be stimulated with some activity or challenge.
These dogs thrive in the outdoors- particularly the woods and the water. Sporting dogs include the best swimming dogs, retrieving dogs, and other field activities. They have traditionally been bred to assist hunters find and retrieve birds and other smaller hunting game.
Sporting dogs are not known as guard dogs, but because of their alertness and loyalty to their family, with proper training they can be good home protectors as well.
Over the years they have become extremely well-rounded, so with plenty of exercise can make excellent home companions. They are willing to please their owners, so if you put the time into training and exercise you will be rewarded with an amazing dog.
Pointer sub-group: The Pointer is graceful, and serious while it is "working." For centuries, the pointer has been "pointing" to ducks and other hunting game for hunters. They have excellent instincts, high energy and speed, and can be trained very well. This makes them the perfect hunting dog, but in today's age more commonly an excellent family dog to an active family- the perfect runner’s companion.
The pointer is friendly, and can be trained well, but still is not ideal for a first time owner due to their high energy and demanding nature. They need a firm owner who they can respect, and who can keep them busy.
German Shorthaired Pointers for adoption
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